JAMES ANDREW GRAY

James Andrew Gray 81, of Kansas City, Mo. passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Friday May 1, 2020. He was born on February 6, 1939 in Carthage, Texas to Hollis and Precious (Allison) Gray, both parents proceeded him in death. James attended Westside Elementary School and accepted Christ at an early age. He relocated to Kansas City, Mo at the age of 22 years old where he joined Sunrise Baptist Church, Bread of Life Baptist Church, joining up with Trinity Temple C.O.G.I.C under the leadership of Pastor Benjamin Stephens III. He loved the church serving as an usher, male chorus choir, bus ministry, and a faithful member of serving in all capacities.

In Kansas City, he met the love of his life Maurine Wells (who proceeded him in death) for 52 years of marriage. James and his wife Maurine Wells was entrepreneurs of J&M Janitorial Service for many years. James loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a very clean, neat, and organized person. He kept a smile on his face. He loved traveling to his home town and loved the gatherings of the yearly family reunions. The definition of a strong black man. James was loved by many and was proceeded in death by Roy James and Frazier Taylor (brothers) and Robert B Gray a special uncle.

He leaves a wonderful legacy behind one daughter Jewell Williams-Nelson of Kansas City. Two sons Eddie and Tyrone Dowthard both of Kansas City, Missouri. Grandchildren Curtis Hughes, James and Kendra Dilworth, Veronica Shackleford (Jarawn), Jennifer Samuels, Marie Woodson (Antonio), Denisha Dameron, Andre Dameron; seven great-grandchildren, Carter Hughes, Cassidy Hughes, Cayden Hughes, Harmony Holmes, Nayla Shackelford, Jayla Shackelford, and Journey Savage all from Kansas City, Missouri. Sisters Jessie Johnson and Mable Pellum from Marshall, Texas; Jaunita Tatum from Longview, Texas and Pauline Tatum from Duncanville, Texas. Brother-in-laws Cleauthor Wells (Curley) and Anthony Edwards. Sister-in-law Kiku Wells and a special friend Deacon Emerson Smith of Kansas City, Mo. and a host of nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.

Services will be held Friday, May 15th at 11:00 A.M. at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Viewing 10:00 A.M. Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery.

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